Chapter 1106
"Remember not to talk nonsense in public. Keep your mouth shut," Margaret admonished Celine. Celine felt wronged; her mother had always favored her younger brother, Alexander. Sometimes, Celine even found herself secretly pleased when Alexander was reprimanded, knowing her mother's affection would otherwise be wholly directed towards her maternal family.
"I know," Celine replied casually.
Meanwhile, Heather descended to the basement. The morning sun illuminated the space, making it surprisingly bright. Hannah, her back turned, was packing a bag. She possessed few belongings—only a couple of sets of faded clothes. This wasn't due to lack of funds; the Riggs family wouldn't stint on clothing. She simply felt it unnecessary. As someone without an independent identity, rarely venturing outside, she had little need for elaborate wardrobes. She would only wear fine clothes and makeup when assuming Heather's identity.
"Cough..."
The sound startled Hannah. She turned, recognizing Heather, and immediately set down her bag. "Heather! Why are you here? Do you have any orders?"
Heather observed Hannah's submissive demeanor and narrowed her eyes. "Have you seen Ralph recently?"
Hannah's eyes widened in surprise. "No! I've stayed home. I wouldn't go out unless you permitted it. What's wrong?"
"I don't miss him, Heather. Please believe me. I wouldn't say I've forgotten him, but I don't care for him anymore!"
"Really?"
"Really! If you don't believe me… if you don't believe me, I'll go home right now. I'll never come out again! Never!" Tears welled in her eyes, a pitiful sight. This was the crucial difference; Heather could never muster such an expression.
Heather remained calm. "Oh. Did you say anything to him before?" After a moment's reflection, realizing Hannah hadn't been out recently and was under constant supervision, Heather concluded the issue stemmed from something Hannah had said previously.
"What?" Hannah shook her head. "I don't understand."
"What I mean is, what did I tell him?" Heather appeared thoughtful. After a pause, she pinched her chin, tilted her head, and gazed intently at Hannah. "Did you… tell him about us?"